A young girl was moments away from having a life-threatening seizure when her optician found a build-up of fluid that required emergency brain surgery.

Poppy-May Leeds, from Herne Bay, was having a routine eye test when the condition was spotted.

Optometrist Mrudang Patel quickly realised while examining nine-year-old Poppy-May that she may have a serious health issue and his decisive actions potentially saved her life.

Poppy-May’s mum Kayleigh said: “Poppy is lucky to be alive because of Mr Patel and the way he acted. He literally saved our little girl. We are so grateful and so thankful to him because it could have ended so differently.

“Doctors have told us it was possible she was born with the condition and that she was very close to having a seizure which could have killed her.”

After an MRI scan at the emergency eye clinic in Ashford’s William Harvey Hospital, Poppy-May was sent home but once doctors had examined the results they immediately recalled her.

She was then transferred by ambulance to King's College Hospital in London where surgeons operated to drain the excess fluid caused by a blockage in her brain.

They then inserted a reservoir which will remain in her head for the rest of her life to enable surgeons to easily drain any future fluid build-ups.

The Herne Bay Juniors pupil was admitted on January 26 and almost a month on, has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus - which can be fatal if left untreated.

Before Mr Patel caught the signs during his observations, Poppy-May had not experienced any symptoms that were a significant cause for concern beyond some blurred vision and slight headaches.

The damage brought about by pressure on the brain can cause symptoms including headaches, vomiting, blurred vision and difficulty walking.

Poppy-May is now on the road to recovery and her parents Kayleigh and Thomas say they cannot thank Mr Patel, who works at the Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care branch in Mortimer Street, Herne Bay, enough for his help.

Mr Patel, who has been performing eye tests for 16 years, said: “We are trained to look out for a range of conditions, but this was very rare.

“I was concerned when I saw an appearance of papilloedema. This is the term for swelling of the optic nerves at the back of the eye as a result of increased intracranial pressure, which is why I referred Poppy-May for urgent medical attention.

“I am so pleased that I was able to help and to meet her again and see how she is doing after such a serious health scare.”

Poppy-May's recovery is expected to take between six and 12 months and her parents say she will start gradually returning to school soon.

Kayleigh wants to encourage people to make sure they attend regular eye tests, as Poppy-May’s experience demonstrates they can save lives.

She added: “We want to use our experience to raise awareness of how important it is to have your eyes tested regularly, whatever your age.”

Adults are advised to have eye tests every two years while those over 70 should get a check-up once a year.

Children under 16 should also be tested once a year and tests are free.